30 teams are entered into the eighth annual Jake Hodge Foundation Wiffle Ball Tournament to raise money for the growing scholarship fund that benefits several counties.
Over $100,000 has been raised through various fundraising efforts in western Kentucky that culminates with the annual wiffle ball tournament.
The foundation was formed in 2008 following the unexpected death of 12-year-old Crittenden County student Jake Hodge. He was the son of Crittenden County coaches Dennis and Shannon Hodge.
Dennis said the foundation is a way to remember Jake by doing something he loved — playing ball.
click to download audioThe foundation awards scholarships to high school students across western Kentucky with the annual wiffle ball tournament the largest fundraiser. Hodge said the scholarships are awarded to kids of good character.
click to download audioHodge said scholarships were originally awarded to students in Crittenden and Caldwell counties but have expanded in recent years.
click to download audioHodge said the 30 teams entered in this year’s tournament have already held fundraisers for the foundation before they step foot on the field.
click to download audioThe 2019 Jake Hodge Foundation Wiffle ball tournament raised a record $58,000 despite a rainy weekend.
The tournament is hosted at the Princeton home of Ken and Katie Parker. A replica of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Busch Stadium has served as the home of the tourney. In 2019, Parker unveiled the addition of “Little Fenway South”, a replica of the home of the Boston Red Sox with a miniature Green Monster wall in left field.
The tournament begins Friday night at 7 with opening ceremonies and will continue all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The replica stadiums are located at 1301 South Jefferson Street.
